Tennessee has committed to expanding postsecondary opportunity , and students have responded by enrolling in larger numbers at our state ’ s colleges and universities . Still , data show far too few Tennessee students meet college-ready benchmarks to have the state on track for the state ’ s goal of 55 percent postsecondary attainment by 2025 .
The second section of the report provides an update on the work across three areas that have served as foundations for Tennessee ’ s work to improve student achievement . We believe that by empowering people , insisting on high expectations , and fostering a culture of innovation , Tennessee can achieve the highest goals for student achievement .
In the final section of the report , SCORE identifies three priority areas for Tennessee to maintain our state ’ s momentum to improve student achievement statewide in 2017 . These priorities are :
Accelerate Support for Tennessee ’ s Educators . Effective teaching is the most important in-school factor in improving student learning . Research also shows that approximately 25 percent of a school ’ s effect on student academic gains can be attributed to effective school leadership . 1 Tennessee ’ s educators have led the way for students to make historic academic gains , and the state should now accelerate support for its educators .
Drive toward Excellence and Equity for All Tennessee Students — Especially Underserved Students . Despite signs of progress , achievement gaps remain in ensuring both excellence and equity for all Tennessee students regardless of income , race , geographic location , or student need . To provide every student an education that prepares him or her for postsecondary education and the workforce , Tennessee must honestly tackle the persistent and urgent challenges faced by underserved students .
Stand Firm on Tennessee ’ s Policies That Have Led to Historic Gains , While Seizing Opportunities to Advance Innovation . As Tennessee works to support educators and drive excellence and equity for all students , our state cannot back away from the foundational policies that have led to increased student achievement . Policymakers and state leaders must recommit to the policies that have led to gains for students , while identifying and accelerating opportunities for new ideas and efforts .
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